PUTRAJAYA: Maritime Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah has been appointed as the seventh Director-General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), effective from Sept 17.
Rosli brings with him nearly three decades of experience in maritime security, having previously served as Acting Deputy Director-General of Operations at MMEA.
"(Rosli) possesses expertise in planning and executing maritime operations, particularly in addressing cross-border crimes such as the entry of illegal immigrants (PATI), drug smuggling, contraband, and piracy", said the MMEA in a statement.
One of his notable achievements is the successful Ops Pelantar Merah, which led to significant arrests and reduced criminal activity around oil platforms in national waters.
He has also been instrumental in spearheading the Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) initiative to monitor suspicious movements in the South China Sea.
Rosli has also held various important MMEA positions, including Selangor Maritime State Director, Maritime Intelligence Director, Strategic Planning Director, Sabah and Labuan Maritime Director, and Maritime Safety and Surveillance Division Director.
"With this appointment, it is hoped that he will bring new synergy in further empowering the role of MMEA as the principal agency in enforcing laws and saving lives and property at sea, for the welfare of the nation's waters," MMEA said.
Rosli predecessor, Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin, retired on Apr19. Since then, Maritime Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim served as acting director-general.